click to edit master subtitle style 11/17/11presentaion parliament portfolio committee on tourism...

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11/17/11 Presentaion Parliament Portfolio Committee on Tourism

Presentation Parliament Portfolio Committee on Tourism


15 November 2011Presented by Ms Caroline Ungersbock




Honourable Chairperson, Honourable Ministers and honourable committee members, we thank you for inviting the National Accommodation Association of South Africa to brief the Portfolio Committee on Tourism

Introduction




1. State of accommodation2. Implementation of the new grading system3. Challenges experienced

We understand that the Portfolio Committee of Tourism would like to assess and evaluate progress of the implementation of the new grading system

Introduction




My name is Caroline Ungersbock

I am the president of the National Accommodation Association of South Africa abbreviated as NAA-SA. I have held this position since May 2011.

Introduction




For this presentation, it is important to give you the Background and

History of the NAA-SA.

Background and History




Association History and Background

• The NAA-SA was founded in 2000, when local smaller accommodation associations from three different provinces wanted to set up provincial associations working with the already established local associations within their province.

• These provinces wanted to ultimately achieve a national body that would become the “voice” for the smaller accommodation industry in South Africa.




• The three provinces namely KZN, Gauteng, & the North West Province got together and contacted the Western Cape, Limpopo, Free State and Northern Cape associations.

• With this the association representation grew to being represented in 7 provinces.

• These associations shared ideas, and worked on ways to ‘grow’ the National Association to achieve the vision of the NAA-SA.





• By 2002 the NAA-SA representation grew to 8 provinces, with 48 member association and over 900 members.

• The NAA-SA established a website where member establishments were listed.





• The core purpose of NAA-SA was to: -

• assist, inform and support the smaller accommodation establishments.

• Through promoting positive measures that would assist the sector to grow and prosper.

• As a result the NAA-SA is formulated as a Non-Profit Organisation, and has been accordingly registered.

Purpose of NAA-SA




• Throughout the years the NAA-SA has been represented on national tourism bodies such as THETA (now CATHSSETA, TBCSA and FEDHASA East Coast).

• In addition to this the NAA-SA are associate members of SATSA.

NAA-SA Representation




• The NAA-SA’s is the “United Voice” of the smaller accommodation establishments through:-

• Engaging with government and industry policy makers on our role within the tourism industry;

• Offering mentorship, training and support programmes;

NAA-SA




• Ensure that the member establishments of the NAA-SA offer their guest’s affordable, quality accommodation and supportive services;

• Developing a sustainable industry, which supports skills development across the board and promotes sustainable job creation.

NAA-SA




Where We Are Now

• The NAA-SA is the largest smaller accommodation establishment association in South Africa.

• We have close to 900 paid up members.

• Many have closed down due to the economic climate of the past 18 months.




• The NAA-SA presently have a seat on the board of the TBCSA.

• The NAA-SA have a Memorandum of understanding with FEDHASA.

• All our members are affiliate members of FEDHASA.

• The NAA-SA are affiliate members of SATSA.

Where We Are Now




National Road Show

• We have held workshops on

• The Consumer Protection Act

and

• Responsible Tourism

• In 15 smaller towns

• In 7 provinces




The NAA-SA is on the SABS Committee working on Service Excellence in Tourism

Standards driven by the National Department of Tourism.




• We have an excellent relationship with CATHSSETA

• We have a good relationship with the National Department of Tourism.

• We are embarking on further workshops around the country on Responsible Tourism.

NAA-SA Relationships




Sub Sector Reg. Establishments Direct Employees Indirect Employees % of SMME’s within sector

Hospitality 28,000 290,000 389,000 96%

Travel & Tourism 6,200 28,000 85,000 96%

Conserv. & Guiding 3,500 30,000 53,000 95%

EST. TOTAL 37,700 348,000 527,000 95,67%

Source: THETA Draft Sector Skills Plan 2011/12 – 2015/16

Employment Statistics




Our Relationship with the TGCSA

• Our relationship started many years ago.

• However, on the 27th of June 2010, the TGCSA called a meeting to address the concerns of the Smaller Establishments.

• It was during the World Cup and not many stakeholders were able to attend.

There were 19 concerns that we brought to the attention of the TGCSA: -




• 24 Hour Security with a Security Guard at each Entrance

• 24 Hour Reception

• Room Dimensions

• 17” Electronic Safes

• Opt out of TGCSA system as the system was voluntary

Concerns with New Grading Criteria




• Down Pillows and Duvets

• Bathroom Linen to be changed 2 daily

• Dinner to be served in Guesthouses

• 24 Hour Room Service

• Electronic Shavers in all rooms





• Master Switch next to the bed

• Wardrobe sizes

• Statutory “by-laws” where applicable

• Breakfast to be served for 3 Hours

• Full Length Mirror in Room





• Need arm chairs for No. of People that the room can Accommodate

• 14 Hangers required

• Bathrooms required 2 Basins

• The issue of open toilets





We discussed these points and slowly these requests were altered.

They are hotel standards and not suitable for smaller accommodation establishments.





I am on record as saying that: -

“the Relationship between the NAA-SA and the TGCSA is an important one. It was almost destroyed when the first document came out with the new criteria. It is necessary that we embrace the grading system and work together to have 6000 happy establishments as opposed to 6000 unhappy establish and work together towards a common goal.”




The No. of Guesthouses in our Association that have embraced the new criteria in 2011 are 471 which is 53% of our membership.

We encourage our members to get graded.

We even give them a discount on their membership when they send proof of grading.

Encourage Tourism Grading




We have set up an e-mail address that our members can send their compliments, complaints and comments to on the new grading system.

Encourage Tourism Grading




These are the issues that have been sent to us through this means of

communication:-




Complaints BEFORE Being Graded with the New Criteria

• Why should we pay for grading?

• Why should we pay for the no of rooms?

• Why should we pay according to our advertised rates?




Complaints After BEING Graded with the New Criteria

• Haven’t received my certificate

• Haven’t received my plaque

• Cannot find our establishment on the website

• Some assessors are unprofessional




General Comments Received Regarding the TGCSA

• Why has the committee not got a person that understands smaller accommodation establishments.

• Why should we get graded, we don’t get any value out of it.

• Communication with the TGCSA is difficult, don’t return calls, wait a long time for e-mails to get answered.

• Grading is too expensive.

• Cannot afford to be graded in the current climate.




Suggested Solutions By Some of Our Local Associations

• Representation on the awards committee required by all sectors that require grading.

• Camping and caravan parks• Smaller accommodation establishments• Hotels• Bush lodges• Farms stays





Consider aspects of Responsible Tourism

e.g. - 5 star guest house - Change linen and towels twice daily - All bathrooms to have bath and shower - Guest amenities




• More marketing to be done by the TGCSA on the differences between the stars and what can be expected by the guest.

• The TGCSA need to warn the public about booking at establishments that are not graded

• The grading conveys a guarantee to the guests

• Cost considerations

• More resources at the TGCSA to assist with queries and concerns.





The NAA-SA once again thanks -The Honourable Chairperson Mr Gumede,

Honourable Ministers and

Honourable committee members

for inviting us to brief the Portfolio Committee on Tourism.

Thank You




Caroline UngersbockPresident – NAA-SA

082 880 6350011 430 4700

Contact Details

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